Gor visit Ulinzi in KPL showdown as Leopards chase the Shield

Champions Gor Mahia visit Ulinzi Stars at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County on Saturday in the only SportPesa Premier League (SPL) fixture slated for this weekend.

The 16-time champions, who have played three less games than the chasing pack, will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the standings to nine points.

Captain Harun Shakava believes the match will be present a tough test for K'Ogalo but remained hopeful of collect maximum points.

“Ulinzi have a good team and whenever we face them, it’s always a fierce contest,” said Shakava, whose side has eight wins in previous 21 meetings against Ulinzi.

He added: “We are focused to bag the three points and we are going to fight until the end.”

Ulinzi coach Dunstan Nyaudo is out to end a three-match winless run that has relegated them to seventh with 30 points from 19 rounds.

“We know we are in for a very tough game, but we are ready for it. We’ve prepared well and the mood in camp is great. There is no better challenge for my players than the prospect of facing the champions so my promise is we will have a good game,” he said.

The league took a break to permit other teams play in the second round of the SportPesa Shield that has 14 fixtures on cards.

LEOPARDS IN NAIVASHA

Holders AFC Leopards visit little-known Rainforest at Karuturi grounds on Sunday.

Leopards, who beat Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 in last year’s final, needed a late goal from youngster Marvin Omondi to eliminate Shabana 2-1 while their opponents got easy passage after Sony Sugar pulled out of the competition to concentrate on fighting relegation in the league.

Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata says his boys are in good shape ahead of the clash.

“I am happy with my boys. We are working for a goal as a team and if we do that consistently, Leopards will dominate not only in the cup but also in future competitions,” he said.

In other matches, Kariobangi Sharks battle Wazito at Camp Toyoyo grounds while Tusker tackle Bandari Saturday afternoon in an all-KPL teams’ encounters.

SPL FIXTURE

Saturday

Ulinzi Stars v Gor Mahia (Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, 3pm)

SPORTPESA SHIELD FIXTURES

Saturday

Mwatate United v Ushuru (Wundanyi Stadium, 3pm)

Bandari v Tusker (Mbaraki Grounds, 3pm)

Leysa v KCB (Camp Toyoyo, 1pm)

Kariobangi Sharks v Wazito (Camp Toyoyo, 3.15pm)

Posta Rangers v Kisumu Hot Stars (Green Stadium Kericho, 1pm)

Kisumu AllStars v Riverplate (Moi Stadium, Kisumu, 3pm)

Ligi Ndogo v Modern Coast Rangers (Hope Centre, 3pm)

Sunday

Vegpro v Vihiga United (Karuturi Grounds, 1pm)

Rainforest v AFC Leopards (Karuturi Grounds, 3.15pm)

Friend Zone v Zetech University (Camp Toyoyo, 11am)

Sofapaka v Baba Dogo United (Camp Toyoyo, 1pm)

Kenya Police v Nzoia Sugar (Narok Stadium, 3pm)

Western Stima v Bidco United (Moi Stadium Kisumu, 3pm)

Bungoma Superstars v Transfoc (Kanduyi Stadium, 3pm)